File description

Apntex.exe with description Alps Pointing-device Driver for Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista is a process file from company Alps Electric Co., Ltd. belonging to product Alps Pointing-device Driver for Windows NT/2000/XP/Vista.
The file is
digitally signed from Alps Electric Co., LTD. - Symantec Time Stamping Services Signer - G4
We do not recommend removing digitally signed files from Alps Electric Co., LTD.

What is apntex.exe?
This is the core component of the Alps Pointing Device Driver. Its purpose is to provide functionality for Alps touchpads on some laptops. It included with any laptop that has an Alps touchpad.

This process is not essential to the operation of the system; however, most users should not disable or uninstall it. By killing or disabling this process, you will lose the functionality of your touchpad. If you do not use your touchpad, however, you could safely disable or uninstall it.

Dangers of apntex
As this is a legitimate executable that included on many laptops, it is possible for virus writers and spyware vendors to disguise their malware as the genuine one.

Some malicious files may have the same name as this process but be stored somewhere other than in %ProgramFiles%\Apoint. Other malware may use a name that appears similar to that of the legitimate one but with slight differences in spelling or with appended digits. While there are currently no known viruses, Trojans, or adware applications that disguise themselves as this process, you should look out for the presence of this file in an incorrect location or with a slightly different name.

There should never be more than one instance of apntex.exe running at a given time on a system. The presence of multiple instances may be an indicator of a malware infection. If you do not have a laptop with an Alps touchpad, the presence of this executable is a likely sign of a virus infection.

Common problems

This program appears in the taskbar upon booting

This problem is often caused by adware or spyware. In most cases where this problem is known to have occurred, SmitFraudFix has corrected the issue.

If this does not correct the problem, try reinstalling your touchpad driver.